International Agreement Visa

What is an International Agreement Visa?

An International Agreement visa enables sponsored overseas nationals who have been contracted to do work which is covered by international law or treaty in the UK. This includes work such as employees of overseas governments and international organisations or private servants in diplomatic households.

This visa has replaced the Temporary Worker – International Agreement Worker visa (T5).

What Are the Key Eligibility Requirements for an International Agreement visa?

In order to successfully apply for an International Agreement visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age;
• Their work in the UK must be for an overseas government or international organisation or as a private servant in a diplomatic household or as an employee in the household of someone who works for a ‘recognised international organisation’;
• Must have a job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from a Home Office approved licenced sponsor;
• Must genuinely intend to undertake the role for which they are being sponsored for;
• Must evidence they have sufficient money to support themselves or their sponsor must confirm that they will support the applicant. If, however an applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, they will not need to show proof that they have sufficient money to support themselves; and
• May need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) certificate depending on which country the applicant resides in.

How Long is a International Agreement Visa Valid for?

Applicants who are an overseas government worker or international organisation worker, can stay for up to 2 years or the time given on their certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Applicants who are private servants in a diplomatic household, can apply for up to 2 years at a time or the time given on their certificate of sponsorship plus up to 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Can an International Agreement Visa be Extended?

Before the expiry of an International Agreement visa, an applicant must apply to the Home Office to extend their stay in the UK.

Applicants who are an overseas government worker or international organisation worker, can apply to stay in the UK for a maximum of 2 years.

Applicants who are private servants or work as an employee in the household of someone who works for a ‘recognised international organisation’, can apply extend their stay for up to 2 years at a time until they reach a maximum of 5 years under this visa.

Does an International Agreement Visa Lead to Settlement?

This route does not lead to settlement. However, applicants can switch into another category such as a Skilled Worker route which does lead to settlement.

Can Dependants Join or Accompany International Agreement Workers?

The partner and children of an applicant can accompany or join them so long as they meet the eligibility criteria. If this is met, they will be issued a visa which will have the same end date as the International Agreement Worker visa holder.

How Long Does it Take For a Decision to be Made?

The Home Office will usually process an International Agreement visa application within 3 weeks if the application is made from outside the UK. If an application is made within the UK a decision is usually made within 8 weeks.

If eligible, applicants will be advised whether they can apply to get a decision faster. The Home Office charge additional fees for these priority services.

How Much Does it Cost?

The Home Office fee for an International Agreement visa is £259.

The fee is the same whether applicants are applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge depending on the length of their sponsorship, which is usually £624 per year.

How We Can Help You

Our highly experienced team will provide expert advice and guidance to you throughout your immigration journey.

If you have any questions, please complete our online enquiry form or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 01724 701111 and one of our experts will be happy to assist you.